Science News in High Schools equips students and teachers with the power of science

Daniel Matthews' students use Science News to help select research topics.Photo courtesy of Daniel Matthews.

The Society’s Science News in High Schools program brings Science News magazine and related educational resources to up to 5 million high school students across the United States and worldwide annually. At the Society, we hear over and over again, from students and teachers, that these materials have changed their classrooms and truly inspired a genuine curiosity in scientific topics. The program provides timely applications of scientific content old textbooks cannot provide. Our resources help teachers meet the needs of diverse audiences, including students from underserved areas, rural and inner-city schools, students at many learning levels, including passionate young scientists who crave learning about the latest in research and innovation. What’s perhaps most inspiring is reaching students who were once uninterested in science and seeing them transform into curious kids whose thirst for science is quenched using these materials.

Hear from a few teachers below about how Science News in High Schools has impacted their classrooms and students:

“The access to these magazines is essential to keeping my biology classroom updated with timely and relevant research and news stories. My students cut out from these periodicals and use their stories in their biology portfolios. The stories are essential for keeping me abreast of new information about all sorts of topics.”—Linda Albright, Newmarket High School (Newmarket, New Hampshire)

“Having this resource not only allows my students to develop reading strategies—questioning, analysis of text structure, visualization and summarizing that will serve them throughout their post-secondary and career experiences—but also reading these articles increases their science literacy and creates more informed citizens.”—Kenna Grater, Aitkin High School (Aitkin, Minnesota)

“I am a special educator and my students have learning disabilities. I use Science News during our curriculum support periods to improve my students’ reading skills and comprehension. The magazine also helps to improve their science vocabulary and gives them current information to connect new learning from their biology, physical science and chemistry classes. I do not have to beg my students to read these magazines; there is always a topic that sparks the interest of each student.”—Rhonda Hill, Polk County High School (Columbus, North Carolina)

“The Hawaiian Islands are isolated with limited access to resources. Science News brings much needed information into our classrooms. Kauai is very rural which further limits access to science resources. My students use this resource to help them with the selection of research projects. As a teacher, I also take advantage of the instructional support materials that come with each issue.”—Daniel Matthews, Kauai High School (Lihue, Hawaii)

“Because of Science News, my students have gained an appreciation and knowledge of diverse scientific careers and exciting ways that actual scientists are exploring the world around them. The articles have inspired dozens of research projects that have led my students on incredible journeys, thrust open doors of opportunity and built confidence in their skills for future endeavors.”—Debbie Morgan, South Sevier High School (Monroe, Utah)

“I have noticed students being much more engaged in science classes than in the past. They voluntarily discuss articles with their classmates and use the information as examples in class discussions and on tests. That level of personal engagement didn’t happen with traditional textbooks.”—Dana Olson, Fort Thomas High School (Fort Thomas, Arizona)

“My students look forward to the opportunity to read relevant, timely science articles for their ‘Newsday Tuesday’ reports. As a teacher, I look forward to the teacher guides that have lessons already prepared.”—Tandi Steffens, Grandview R-2 High School (Hillsboro, Missouri)